Since the entire story is now in rewrite, I am slowly going through each chapter to fix any mistakes or messes to the plot. Now on with the story!

Chapter 2:

The Interview

"Nightlock! Her interview is starting."

I clench my fists in anger, hoping Primrose can't see the agony on my face. The thought of watching the capitol parade Katniss in front of the masses, makes me ill. I stare into the mirror Primrose can't help but polish every morning. It's a remnant during the time when our father was once alive. My heart clenches, remembering the man who was once my entire world. The soot covering his face, when he would come home from the mines, always with a smile. The way he would sing and dance around, with me in his arms. The only parent to ever love me unconditionally. Before being snatched from me at the age of ten.

I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, hardened grey Seam eyes with the blonde merchant hair. I am a joke here at the Seam, not quite part of either class. Mother does nothing to shield me from the ridicule and hate surrounding me. Instead, she joins in to put me in my place. Any hope for affection on her part is a naïve dream. Long forgotten pain grips me, remembering a child's hope for her mother's affection. Something my sisters are lucky to have.

Mother loves to tell me just how perfect my sisters are. Katniss with the dark brown hair and grey eyes of the Seam, a beautiful reminder of Father. Primrose with her blonde hair and blue eyes, a small copy of our mother. I am the mutt, a mixing of both worlds. Mother would remind me daily that I look nothing like her. She tells me that I am a child that only my father could love. Sadly, father is no longer here to defend me, to protect me. Neither is my older sister, Katniss.

Shutting my eyes tightly, I push away these sad thoughts. This is not the time for self-pity. Katniss needs me strong, to hold our family together in her absence. I turn, putting on my best smile for Prim. The last thing I need is Prim worrying about two sisters instead of one. I must stay positive for Prim. I take her hand in mine, looking down at my innocent little sister. She is the age I was when father died.

My body begins to slowly tremble, knowing it would destroy Prim to see Katniss die in these games. I silently plea to Katniss to win these games, to not leave us like father. To fulfill her promise to win for Prim. I settle shakily into my wooden chair next to the screen, just in time for Prim to climb into my lap. Wrapping my arms around her small frame, I realize how tiny she is for her age. Although Katniss does her best to provide for us, it has never been enough in her eyes. I lay my chin on top of her head, cuddling my precious little sister close to hide my tears. My attention focuses on the screen in front of us, Katniss walking across the stage.

She looks beautiful. The deep red color complimenting her olive skin tone. I smile despite my tears, thankful she is at least being taken care of in the capitol. I listen to Caesar's questions, knowing they are geared to portray the tribute in a favorable light. The image they are trying to portray for her is Katniss Everdeen, the dark-haired darling from District 12. It is his next question, that causes my heart to skip a beat.

"Now Katniss, who is the girl at your reaping trying to get your attention?" His question seems innocent enough, despite the gnawing fear gripping me. Katniss could either answer it with the truth or a lie. Would she try to protect us from the capitol's attention? By her determined facial expression, I know Katniss will choose to tell the truth.

"That is my sister, Nightlock." She gives him a small smile, trying to appear innocent. I can tell by the fists clenching her dress that she isn't happy with this line of questioning.

"Ahh! I see she is also in the reaping pool. How old is Nightlock?" Why is he drawing attention towards me with his questions?

"Lock is thirteen." Katniss is keeping her answers short, which might prove disastrous for her if history is any indication. I bite my lip, not liking nor understanding where Caesar is going with this.

"Is Nightlock your only sister? I saw her run to another girl and a woman in the crowd after your fellow tribute, Rome, took the stage." This proves he is steering the crowd's attention towards us. What could be the purpose of this?

Katniss is fighting hard to keep the smile on her face. Her protective nature towards us is strong, which is what they might be trying to focus on. "No, Caesar. She is running towards our youngest sister, Primrose, who is too young for the reaping. She is standing with our mother." Katniss looks like she wants to yell at him for bringing us up.

Caesar is smiling at this, which makes me wary of him. What is he trying to do? "Now our time is almost up. I have two more questions for you Katniss. Why is Nightlock trying to get your attention? Is she trying to ask you something?"

Katniss's calm composure slips at this. Her voice is soft as she replies to his question. "My sister and I made a pact before the reaping. She would offer to take my place if I wish. I knew the minute my name was called that Nightlock would volunteer if I didn't stop her. I couldn't let my little sister do that." Tears are in her eyes at this point, her head bowed. Her body language unreadable to those who don't know her as well as we do.

I watch as the camera shifts to the audience, where there is not a dry eye in the house. Is Caesar trying to help us bring Katniss home? He is giving her the image of the protective older sister, willing to do anything for her younger siblings. This fits our Kit-Kat perfectly.

"Well Katniss, I believe we all can say you are a brave girl for your young age. I wish you all the best in these Hunger Games. I know your sisters will be cheering for you back home." He stands, reaching out his hand to shake hers.

Katniss nods, a watery smile on her face. "Thank you Caesar." They shake hands as Caesar yells to the audience, "Katniss Everdeen, everyone!" She leaves the stage at this point, returning to her seat in the front row with the other tributes.

I smile, despite my heart beating rapidly. Katniss is amazing. She is slowly winning over the crowd with Caesar's help. I hug Prim tightly to me, hearing her delightful giggle at my actions. She has a fighting chance in these games. We can only help that it will be enough to help her win.

"Is she going to win, Lock? Is Katniss going to win?"

I give Primrose my most endearing smile, hoping my words will put her at ease. "She is going to try Prim. She is going to try." I clutch her tightly to me, burying my face in her hair, as she hums to herself. I can't let my little sister see my tears, the dreaded agony that is ripping me apart from the inside out. Will Katniss be able to win the Hunger Games? And if she does, will we get the same Katniss we know and love back?

Only the 72nd Annual Hunger Games can tell us that.

Updated 6/30/13